With the economic climate less than rosy it is increasingly difficult for young people to get work. My Nametags’s founder, Lars, feels strongly that it’s very important to give young people opportunities. “I’m sure everyone remembers that ‘chance’ they were given, perhaps by their first employer, and I was keen to do that at My Nametags through an apprenticeship scheme.”
Whether you’re a parent of a child at secondary school wondering about first steps into the world of work or an employer, we thought you might be interested to hear Billy’s take on it all.
MNTs: How did you become an apprentice?
Billy: I went through www.apprenticships.org.uk where you can apply for a maximum of 10 positions a day. I’m studying for a one-year NVQ in Customer Service.
MNTs: Was it difficult to get?
Billy: It wasn’t difficult to get an interview but make sure you prepare well. Get anyone ie your Mum, Dad, Uncle to give you some interview practice. You can always walk into Connexions (www.connexionslive.com) – the Job Centre part for young people – and they will give you advice and a practice interview.
MNTs: What does your typical day involve?
Billy: I process the orders over the internet and take them over the phone too. I also produce the black and white labels and sort out the post at the end of the day.
MNTs: What advice would you give to other school leavers?
Billy: If continuing on at school isn’t for you then there are other options. I found it really dull and depressing being unemployed after I left school. Getting an apprenticeship has given me the skills for work and so much more confidence. Oh, and money too!
MNTs: What’s next?
Billy: I feel so much more confident now about working in an office. I may even explore the possibility of going to University now that I’ve got some work experience.
To order My Nametags visit www.mynametags.com or give us a call on our freephone number 0800 3 213 203 – you never know you might get Billy!
